morula

[ mawr-oo-luh, -yoo- ]

noun

, Embryology.

, plural mor·u·las, mor·u·lae [mawr, -, oo, -lee, -y, oo, -].

1. the mass of cells resulting from the cleavage of the ovum before the formation of a blastula.

morula

/ ˈmɒrjʊlə /

noun

1. embryol a solid ball of cells resulting from cleavage of a fertilized ovum

morula

/ môr′yə-lə /

, Plural morulae môr′yə-lē′

1. The spherical embryonic mass of blastomeres that results from cleavage of the fertilized ovum and develops into the blastula .

Derived Forms

• ˈmorular, adjective

Other Words From

• moru·lar adjective
• pre·moru·lar adjective
• pseudo·moru·lar adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of morula¹

1855–60; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin mōr ( um ) mulberry + -ula -ule

Word History and Origins

Origin of morula¹

C19: via New Latin, diminutive of Latin morum mulberry, from Greek moron

Example Sentences

Further analysis of those iPS cells showed that, compared to in vitro iPS cells, their gene expression more closely resembled that observed in embryos at an early stage of development called the morula.

From Scientific American

That stage in the development of the ovum in which the outer cells of the morula become more defined and form the blastoderm.

From Project Gutenberg

This mass is termed by embryologists “the morula.”

From Project Gutenberg

For example, in his interview with a South African villager who explained how to make the alcoholic drink, morula, she repeatedly says that it is best if she demonstrates the process.

From New York Times

Later, the protoplasm becomes segregated around each of the nuclei, giving the parasite a mulberry-like aspect; hence this stage is frequently known as a morula.

From Project Gutenberg